AFTER journeying hundreds of miles across the country to remember a special Celtic supporter, the Walk for Jonathan group are finally coming home to Paradise.

Jonathan Thomas was a proud Welshman with a passion for the Hoops. In October last year, at the age of just 30, he tragically lost a brave fight with cancer, having suffered from Ulcerative Colitis from the age of 18. In a beautiful, touching moment, he married Sian, the love of his life, the day before he passed away.

In Jonathan’s memory, his widow Sian and their friends are taking part in ‘A Walk for Jonathan – from the Valleys to Paradise’, Dowlais Catholic Club, Merthyr Tydfil to Celtic Park in Glasgow – a distance of 352 miles.

After moving to Newcastle in 2006, he joined the Tyneside No.1 Celtic Supporters’ Club, and among those walking is Iain McGovern, a close friend of Jonathan and a member of Celtic FC Foundation’s Supporters’ Committee.

The aim is to assist the work of two charities very close to Jonathan’s heart – Celtic FC Foundation and Crohn’s & Colitis UK.

After initially setting off from Jonathan’s hometown of Merthyr Tydfil on Saturday, October 8, the group will conclude their inspirational trek at Celtic Park on Saturday, October 22 – the first anniversary of Jonathan’s passing.

Following fixture amendments in the wake of Celtic’s League Cup progression, the original schedule to arrive ahead of the SPFL home game versus Hamilton was altered. However, Celtic FC Foundation representatives and well-wishers will still be present at Celtic Park from 12:30pm to ensure the heroic band of walkers receive a rapturous welcome.

You can still donate to ‘A Walk for Jonathan – from the Valleys to Paradise’ –

– Online by clicking HERE

– Via Text to Donate- text CELT07, followed by £1, £5 or £10 to 70070

On the Walk for Jonathan, Celtic FC Foundation Chief Executive, Tony Hamilton, said: “The circumstances surrounding the walk are a tragedy. It’s a credit to Sian that she has undertaken this, especially around such a poignant anniversary. It’s a massive effort and all of the walkers will be delighted that the finishing line is in sight.

“Our thanks to Iain McGovern for organising this and we’re extremely grateful that we’re getting half of the proceeds, alongside another charity close to their hearts.”